PORT HURON (AP) - An engineering company has announced that it is expanding to Port Huron's industrial park, which is expected to bring jobs and millions of dollars to the city.
R & E Automated Systems, an automation, prototyping and engineering company, is expanding its Romeo, Michigan-based operations to Port Huron with plans to invest $14.4 million and create about 176 new jobs.
The company also got approved last week for a $750,000 performance-based grant by the Michigan Strategic Fund and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. The project will roll out over the next five years.
"We have a great opportunity to grow not only our business and our team, but also our efforts to create a brighter future for the children of Michigan," Dan Jaraczewski, R & E Automated System owner said in a statement.
The company is in the process of purchasing a 141,000-square-foot building, according to a statement from the Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County. The alliance recruited the company, the Times Herald reported.
Dan Casey, EDA of St. Clair County CEO, said the company's expansion is a reflection of his group's prioritization of automation as a target industry for the region. He added the alliance will help in the hiring process for the well-paying jobs coming into the county.
Casey said the project could lead to increased property tax revenues due to renovations planned at the site, and the high-wage jobs could boost the city of Port Huron's income tax revenues.
R & E Automated Systems started in 1999. It provides services to more than 500 clients across the world in varying industries, including automotive, a press release said. The company's website lists Ford Motor Company, General Motors and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles among its customers.
"We are seeing more automation occurring in our industrial parks," Port Huron Mayor Pauline Repp said in a statement. "The whole industry is moving in that direction due to global competition. We're excited to see a company that specializes in automation and prototyping moving into the community."
Published: Wed, Aug 14, 2019
